Whatmore keen to coach England (10 June 1999)

10 June 1999

Whatmore keen to coach England

Ivan Corea

Sri Lanka-born Dav Whatmore who coached Sri Lanka to their first ever World Cup victory in Lahore in 1996 has confirmed his interest in succeeding David Lloyd as the England coach. Recently Aravinda de Silva, vice-captain of the Sri Lankan team paid a handsome tribute to Dav in his autobiography 'Aravinda' published by Mainstream Publishing in Edinburgh. Aravinda acknowledged Dav's contribution to Sri Lanka's success in the last World Cup.

Dav said: 'It would be a tremendous opportunity for me and I regard it as an honour even to be mentioned.' Dav along with Duncan Fletcher are the front runners for the job of England coach. A five man working party are meeting at Lord's to discuss a successor to David Lloyd.

Also in the picture is Ian Botham, many are urging the ECB to hire Botham in some capacity. Sadly this will be to the loss of Sri Lanka. Last year Botham expressed real interest in helping the Sri Lankan cricketers - he met with BCCSL officials in the dressing room at the Oval. Nothing came out of it and it now appears that he will be involved in resurrecting England's cricketing chances. Former Australian fast bowler Thompson writing in the London Evening Standard urged England to do so, saying Botham is the man.

It is now absolutely vital for Sri Lanka to hire a coach from overseas. Even England are prepared to consider hiring a foreign coach. Whatmore is from Sri Lanka and Fletcher is from Zimbabwe. Sri Lanka must appoint a coach as soon as possible if they are to entertain any hope of making an impact in the next World Cup in South Africa.

Source :: The Daily News